What Is Foot Reflexology?

Foot reflexology is a form of massage therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the foot. It is designed to reduce pain and improve overall health. 

This article discusses the conditions foot reflexology can be used for and how to prepare for a session.

Definition and Theories

Reflexology is a form of massage therapy centered around the idea that pressure points in the feet are directly connected to other areas of the body, including organs. It's though that when pressure is applied to these points, you will encounter better overall health and rejuvenation.

There are a couple of theories surrounding reflexology and its efficacy. They mainly focus on energy. It’s thought that energy within the body communicates freely through electromagnetic fields.

Sometimes, energy can become blocked. Foot reflexology is thought to clear the path for better communication between the organs and the rest of the body’s energy fields. Another theory maintains that putting pressure on points in the foot during reflexology can help break up lactic acid crystals that stop energy flow.

Pressure Points in the Foot

According to foot reflexology advocates, several points in the foot play a role in the health of an organ or system elsewhere in the body. The various pressure points on the foot, from the top of the toes to the ankle, are thought to affect health in areas such as:

• Top of the toes: Head/brain
• Middle of the toes: Face and sinuses
• Bottom of the toes: Teeth, gums, and jaw
• The base of the pinky toe: Neck
• The outer lateral (away from center) side of the foot: Arms, elbows, knees, and legs
• The outer medial (close to center) side of the foot: Neck, brain stem, thymus, spine, bladder
• The lateral side of the ankle: Lower back
• The medial side of the ankle: Lymph glands, fallopian tubes, groin
• Middle of the top of the foot: Lungs, chest, breasts, upper back, waistline

Process

The process of reflexology involves putting massage-like pressure onto specific points in the foot. Typically, there is no pain during the process, and people feel like they are getting a foot massage.

A reflexologist will use their thumb or finger to apply pressure and make micro-movements over the pressure points. Reflexologists will use these specific movements to help improve blood circulation and energy flow within the body. During a session, additional forms of relaxation may be employed to improve the experience, such as calming music and aromatherapy.

Conditions Treated

According to research, several health disorders can be positively affected by foot reflexology. They include:

• Low-back pain
• Migraines and headaches
• Stress reduction
• Symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), such as spasticity (increased muscle tone and stiffness), urinary problems, and muscle weakness
• Reduce peripheral neuropathy (damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord) in people with diabetes
• Asthma           
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Muscular diseases

Warnings/Contraindications

Some people may not be good candidates for foot reflexology because they may experience adverse effects. Certain people should avoid the practice until speaking with a medical provider, including:

• Those in their first trimester of pregnancy
• Those who suffer from diarrhea or vomiting
• People with skin diseases on their feet or hands
• Those who have inflammation in the feet or hands
• People with fever or any infectious diseases
• People with certain health disorders, such as cancer, blood clotting disorders, or heart failure

How to Prepare

There is not much you need to do before a foot reflexology appointment if you have been approved for the therapy by your medical provider.

During the session, you will be asked to remove your socks and shoes and get comfortable on a massage table or chair. The reflexologist will apply pressure to your feet to warm them up before pushing on specific pressure points. There are particular reflexology techniques used to massage the pressure points, such as:

• Finger walking
• Applying pressure with the thumbs
• Rotation on the point

Recovery

There isn’t much of a recovery time needed following foot reflexology. However, some aftereffects can occur, including:

• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Feeling increased emotions
• An increased need to urinate

These aftereffects are temporary and can last one to two days following your session.

Summary

Foot reflexology is an alternative therapy designed to free up energy communication in the body. The practice is thought to help those who develop specific ailments due to energy blockages. The process works by applying pressure to particular points in the foot that correspond to organs and other body systems. The pressure is supposed to free up energy blockages and provide relief. While more research surrounding the practice is needed, it can be helpful for some people.